Orthogonally deflectable endoscope

ABSTRACT

A device for controlling movement of a plurality of cables including support means, a rotary first shaft and shaft means which are carried by the support means, the shaft means consisting of telescopically arranged second and third shafts which are rotatable about a common axis that is normal to the axis of the first shaft. The device also includes a pair of coaxial pulleys, one of the pulleys being secured to and rotatable with the second shaft and the other being secured to and rotatable with the third shaft. Each pulley is equipped with a pair of cables that are secured thereto and partly and oppositely wound thereon. Coupling means connect the first shaft to the shaft means and effect rotation of the shaft means and the pulleys in response to rotary movement of the first shaft about its axis and/or bodily movement of the first shaft about the axis of the shaft means.

United States Patent [191 Hall [ ORTHOGONALLY DEFLECTABLE ENDOSCOPE [75]Inventor: Richard W. Hall, New Canaan,

Conn.

[73] Assignee: American Cystoscope Makers Inc.,

Manor, NY.

22 Filed: Jan. 24, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 219,988

[52] US. Cl. 128/4, 74/501 [51] Int. Cl A61b H00 [58] Field of Search128/4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,910,872 11/1959 Stibitz74/757 X 3,075,407 l/1963 Werner 74/625 3,090,378 5/1963 Sheldon et al.128/4 3,470,765 10/1969 Campbell 74/417 X 3,557,780 1/1971 Sato 128/4FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,153,334 5/1969 Great Britain 128/8Jan. 29, 1974 Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet Assistant ExaminerLeeS. Cohen Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Edgar N. Jay

[57] ABSTRACT A device for controlling movement of a plurality of cablesincluding support means, a rotary first shaft and shaft means which arecarried by the support means, the shaft means consisting oftelescopically arranged second and third shafts which are rotatableabout a common axis that is normal to the axis of the first shaft. Thedevice also includes a pair of coaxial pulleys, one of the pulleys beingsecured to and rotatable with the second shaft and the other beingsecured to and rotatable with the third shaft. Each pulley is equippedwith a pair of cables that are secured thereto and partly and oppositelywound thereon. Coupling means connect the first shaft to the shaft meansand effect rotation of the shaft means and the pulleys in response torotary movement of the first shaft about its axis and/or bodily movementof the first shaft about the axis of the shaft means.

7 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEU 3.788.303

SHEET 2 0F 4 Has PATENTED JAN 29 I974 sum 3 0P4 ORTHOGONALLY DEFLECTABLEENDOSCOPE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the artof control devices and, more particularly, to a device for controllingthe operation of a plurality of flexible connectors, such as cables,which, in turn, are adapted to correspondingly operate some other deviceor devices that are connected thereto.

The control device of this invention has varied applications. It isespecially useful with a flexible endoscope having a deflection section,Accordingly, and for the purposes of this disclosure, the detaileddescription of the invention that follows and the accompanying drawingsare directed to a flexible endoscope of the type indicated and embodyinga preferred form of control device of this invention.

There are a number of known flexible endoscopes having deflectionsections which are operable by cables or the like that are actuated bycontrol devices remote from the deflection sections. Such endoscopes areexemplified by the constructions disclosed in several US patents,namely, Stokes Pat. No. 3,190,286, Mori Pat. No. 3,525,331 and TakahashiPat. No. 3,583,393, and in British Pat. No. 1,231,015 and German Pat.No. 1,541,153.

The deflection sections and control devices of known prior art flexibleendoscopes are limited and, therefore, objectionable in use as theypermit deflection in only one plane or in different planes by the use ofcorresponding independent control devices. This necessitates repeatedmanipulation and rotation of the entire endoscope by the operator inendeavoring to negotiate sharp corners and to visually locate areas ofinterest in a body passage or organ of a living being.

As will be evident to persons trained in the art from the ensuingdetailed description and the annexed drawings, the control device ofthis invention embodies improved features of design and construction. Aswill also be evident, a flexible endoscope that is equipped with thesubject control device is free of limitations and objections inherent inrelated known endoscopes and is adapted to be readily deflected in aninfinite number of planes and on corresponding arcs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A control device constructed in accordance withthis invention comprises support means and actuating means. The supportmeans preferably includes a housing for protectively encasing andsupporting parts of the actuating means. The actuating means iscomprised of a first shaft which is rotatable about its longitudinalaxis and shaft means which is rotatable about a common axis that isnormal to the axis of rotation of the first shaft. The actuating meansalso comprises a pair of coaxial rotary cable drive means, eachpreferably consisting of a pulley, which are carried by and rotatablewith the shaft means, and coupling means connecting the first shaft tothe shaft means and effecting rotation of the shaft means and bothrotary cable drive means in response to rotary movement of the firstshaft about its axis and simultaneous bodily movement of the first shaftabout the axis of the shaft means. Connected to each rotary cable drivemeans is a pair of cables, one cable of each pair being adapted to berespectively pulled and released from its rotary cable drive means andthe other cable of each pair being adapted to be respectively releasedfrom and pulled on its rotary cable drive means upon correspondingrotary movement of the rotary cable drive means.

The shaft means preferably comprises a second shaft and a third shaftwhich is tubular and telescopically arranged relative to the secondshaft. One of the rotary cable drive means is secured to and rotatablewith the second shaft and the other rotary cable drive means is securedto and rotatable with the third shaft. Each rotary cable drive meanspreferably consists of a pulley which has a helical peripheral groovefor receiving successive portions of each indicated pair of cables. Thecoupling means preferably includes first, second and third bevel gearswhich are respectively connected to and rotatable with the first, secondand third shafts. The second and third bevel gears are mounted in spacedrelation on the second shaft and mesh with the first bevel gear.

The term rotary cable drive, as used in this description and in theclaims, includes, without limitation unless otherwise modified, anyconventionally configured pulley, spool, reel, sprocket, pinion of arack and pinion, or the like, having a peripheral surface by which anelongated flexible element may be respectively.

pulled or released. The term cable, as used in this description and inthe claims, includes, without limitation, any suitable flexibleconnector, such as a cable, belt, twisted wire, chain, metallic rod, orthe like. In certain applications, such as when the subject controldevice is used with a flexible endoscope, the cables should besubstantially inextensible.

This invention has for its primary object the provision of a controldevice of the character indicated having improved features of design andconstruction.

Another object of this invention is to provide, in a flexible endoscope,a control device having its parts so constructed and arranged as topermit of ready deflection of the endoscope in an infinite number ofplanes by means of a single handle control, and to direct the distalportion of the endoscope in the same relation as a handle directlyattached to the distal portion.

A further object of this invention is to provide a control device of thestated type which is relatively simple and compact in design; which issturdy and durable in construction; which is reasonable in manufacturingand maintenance costs; which is adapted to be conveniently actuated byan operator; and which is adapted to perform its intended functions inan efficient manner.

The foregoing objects and additional objects, as well as the advantagesof this invention, will be manifest to persons trained in the art fromthe following detailed description and the accompanying drawings whichrespectively describe and illustrate a preferred and recommended controldevice of this invention in combination with a flexible endoscope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings wherein like referencecharacters denote corresponding parts in the several views:

FIG. 1 is a view in side elevation of a flexible endoscope in which thecontrol device of this invention is incorporated;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view similar to a portion of FIG. 1, certain partsbeing omitted and certain internal parts being shown in cross section;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1, the operatinghandle being turned 90 and the cables being omitted;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2, the housing outercover plate being omitted and other parts being shown in cross sectionor broken away;

FIG. 5 is a projected view of a fragmentary portion of FIG. 4, partly incross section;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of pulleys and associated partsappearing in other views; and

FIG. 7 is an exploded isometric view of an arrangement of pulleys,cables and shafts that are elements of the inventive control device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Reference is first had to FIG. 1of the drawings which illustrates a flexible endoscope E which isequipped with a control device of this invention. The endoscope includesan assembly of devices and parts A at its proximal end, a hollow tipelement 10 at its distal end and a sheath 11 intermediate assembly A andtip element 10. The sheath is made of a suitable elastomericcomposition, such as neoprene. The endoscope includes an opticaltelescope T having an eyepiece 12 and other devices (not shown), such asfiber optics bundles, a water inlet and outlet tube and a forceps orsuction tube.

Positioned within sheath 11, adjacent tip element 10, is a deflectionsection S (FIG. 2) which includes a pair of spaced tubular fittings 13and 13', a plurality of deflection rings R that are located between thetubular fittings and a total of four cables C C C and C Each cable C C Cand C is slidable in a corresponding guide tube 14 which extends fromfitting 13 to the interior of assembly A.

A preferred control device according to this invention is denoted by theletter D in the drawings and, as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, isincorporated in assembly A. The control device includes a housing 15that protectively encases certain parts and that serves as a supportmeans for other parts, all of which will be described further alongherein. The housing consists of a rectangular tubular side wall 16, adished outer cover 17 and a dished inner cover 18 which is equipped witha cable support plate 19. An opening 20 extends through inner cover 18and support plate 19. The housing side wall and the covers are joined byscrews (not shown) or in any other suitable manner known to the art.

A tubular shaft housing 21 extends through housing opening 20 and isprovided with an end flange 22 which bears against plate 19. The shafthousing is maintained in the illustrated assembly position by aninternally threaded retainer ring 23 which engages corresponding threadson the housing. The shaft housing is formed with an annular recess 24for receiving an O-type sealing ring 25. A tubular gear housing 26 iscarried by and rotatable relative to shaft housing 21. The gear housinghas a closed end 27 having an opening 28.

Mounted on gear housing 26 is a tubular member 30 which is externallythreaded at its lower end, as indicated at 31, and internally threadedat its upper end, as indicated at 32. The lower extremity of tubularmember 30 registers with an opening in the gear housing and is securedthereto, preferably by soldering. A ring nut 33 engages the externallythreaded portion 31 of tubular member 30. A rotary first shaft 34 ispositioned in tubular member and extends beyond both ends thereof. Thisshaft is machined on several diameters, as illustrated, and is formedwith a plurality of axially spaced annular flanges 35, 36 and 37. AnO-type sealing ring 38 is located in the space between flanges and 36and bears against the inner surface of tubular member 30. An externallythreaded ring 39 is coaxial with shaft 34 and engages the internalthreads 32 at the upper end of tubular member 30. As shown in FIG. 3,ring 39 bears against the upper face of flange 35 and restrains shaft 34against upward axial movement relative to tubular member 30 but permitsrotary movement of this shaft relative to the tubular member. A handgrip or handle 40, having a stepped, blind, bottom bore 41 and astepped, blind, side tap 42, is positioned at the upper ends of tubularmember 30 and shaft 34. As illustrated, the upper end portions of thetubular member and the shaft project into corresponding portions of bore41. The handle is detachably secured to shaft 34 by a screw 43 whichengages threads in tap 42 and projects through a transverse opening(unnumbered) in the shaft. By virtue of this arrangement, increments ofturning movement of handle in either Also, about the axis of shaft 34causes corresponding increments of rotation of this shaft relative totubular member 30. Also bodily movement of handle 40 and tubular member30 causes corresponding increments of rotation of gear housing 26 aboutthe axis of shaft housing 21.

A driving bevel gear 44 is carried by and affixed to the lower portionof shaft 34 directly below flange 37.

Control device D also includes shaft means consisting of a second orinner rotary shaft 45 and a third or outer rotary shaft 46 which istubular and which is intermediate and coaxial with shaft 45 and tubularhousing 21 and is rotatable relative thereto. One end of shaft 45 isjoumalled for rotation in opening 28. As is best shown in FIG. 3, shaft46 is provided at its left end with external threads 47 and at its rightend with an annular flange 48.

Shaft 45 is provided with a pair of coaxial, oppositely facing, drivenbevel gears 50 and 51 which mesh with driving bevel gear 44. Interposedbetween bevel gears 50 and 51 is a bushing 52 which is also coaxial withshaft 45. Bushing 52 has an opening 53 for the free reception of theextreme lower end of shaft 34. Bevel gear 50 and shaft 45 are keyedtogether by a pin 54 for rotation in unison about the axis of thisshaft. BEvel gear 51 is freely rotatable about shaft 45. This bevel gearand hollow shaft 46 are joined, preferably by soldering, for rotation inunison about the axis of shaft 45.

Control device D is equipped with a brake unit 55, consisting of a plate56, a brake shoe 57 and a pin 58 which is connected to plate 56 andprojects through and beyond an opening in tubular housing 26. The brakeunit registers with an annular recess 59, that is formed in shafthousing 21 and tubular shaft 46, and serves as a friction couplingbetween these parts to prevent undesirable rotation of tubular shaft 46and gear housing 26 relative to shaft housing 21. The frictional forceexerted by the brake unit may be readily varied, as desired, byadjusting the position of ring nut 33.

A pair of spaced, coaxial pulleys P and P are disposed in housing 15.Extending through pulley P, is a sleeve 60 that is mounted on the leftend of shaft 45 (FIG. 3) and this is secured to this shaft for rotationtherewith, preferably by soldering. Sleeve 60 has an end flange 61,which bears against an end of pulley P,, and is secured to this pulley,also preferably by soldering. It will be noted that, by virtue of thisarrangement, pulley P, is carried by and rotatable with shaft 45.

Pulley P is tapped for engagement with the external threads 47 oftubular shaft 46, as shown in FIG. 3. Pulley P is keyed to tubular shaft46 by a pin 62 and, as a consequence, is rotatable with the tubularshaft. A ball bearing 63 is positioned between facing ends of pulley P,and tubular shaft 46.

Pulleys P, and P are formed with respective, indentical, peripheral,helical grooves G, and G Each of cables C, and C is anchored at one endto pulley P, and is oppositely and partly wound in a correspondingportion of groove G, (FIG. 7). Each of cables C and C, is anchored atone end to pulley P and is oppositely and partly wound in acorresponding portion of groove G As is illustrated in FIG. 4, theindicated end of cable C, is provided with a fitting 64 that is locatedin an unnumbered radial opening in pulley P, and is releasablymaintained therein by a set screw 65 in a tap (also unnumbered) whichintersects the radial opening.

Referring further to FIG. 4, cable support plate 19 is provided with apair of spaced posts 66 which are parallel to shaft 45. Extendingthrough each post is a pair of guide sleeves 67 which are retained inthe illustrated position by corresponding set screws 68 (FIG. 5). Theproximal end of each cable guide tube 14 terminates in and is anchoredto a corresponding sleeve 67.

For the purpose of describing the operation of the illustratedembodiment of control device D, it is assumed that endoscope E isassembled and that its parts are in the relative position shown in FIGS.1 and 2, tubular member 30 projecting vertically upwardly and handle 40being normal to the axis of shaft 45 and parallel to sheath 11. Whenthese parts are in the indicated position, sheath 11 and tip element arein a substantially straight line or rectilinear condition. Tubularmember is adapted, through the medium of handle 40, to be swung in aclockwise or counterclockwise direction, from the position shown in FIG.1, about the axis of shaft 45 to impart corresponding pivotal or rotarymovement to housing 26 and, at the same time, impart correspondingrotary movement to pulleys P, and P about the axis of shaft 45 by virtueof the interconnection of shaft 34, the several bevel gears, shaft 45and tubular shaft 46 with these pulleys. Rotation of the pulleys causescorresponding winding or unwinding of the respective cables and likedeflection of rings R and deflection section S.

When tubular member 30 is swung in a clockwise direction from theposition shown in FIG. 1, it causes deflection of the portion of sheath11 containing the deflection section to the broken line positionindicated by the numeral 70. When tubular member 30 is swung in acounterclockwise direction from the position shown in FIG. 1, it causesdeflection of the portion of sheath 11 containing the deflection sectionto the broken line position indicated by the numeral 71. When handle isrotated in either direction relative to tubular member 30, it causeslike rotation of shaft 34 which in turn causes corresponding rotation ofpulleys P, and P through the interconnection of this shaft and thepulleys with the several bevel gears, shaft and tubular shaft 46. Itwill be observed that the pulleys are operable by bodily movement oftubular member 30 and handle 40 about the axis of shaft 45 and/or byturning handle 40 and shaft 34 relative to tubular member 30. Thus thecontrol device is adapted to impart universal or orthogonal movement todeflection section S, i.e., cause the deflection section to be bent inan infinite number of planes and on corresponding arcs.

The relative positions of tubular member 30 and handle 40 indicate to anoperator the condition of deflection section S. Thus, when tubularmember 30 and handle 40 are in the relative position shown in FIG. 1,they indicate that the deflection section is in its rectilinearcondition. When the tubular member is swung in a clockwise orcounterclockwise direction from the position shown in FIG. 1, itindicates to the operator that the portion of the sheath containing thedeflection section is bent downwardly or upwardly, respectively, asindicated by numerals and 71. Also, when handle 40 is turned in eitherdirection, it indicates that the deflection section has beencorrespondingly bent in another plane. When the control device isoperated both by swinging tubular member 30 and turning handle 40, thedeflection section is correspondingly bent in other planes andcorresponding arcs.

Based on the foregoing, it is believed that the construction, operation,objects and advantages of my present invention will be readilycomprehended by persons skilled in the art, without further description.It is to be clearly understood, however, that various changes in theconstruction described above and illustrated in the drawings may be madewithout departing from the scope of the invention, it being intendedthat all matter contained in the description or shown in the drawingsshall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. An endoscope, comprising, in combination, a proximal portion, adistal portion and a hollow portion connected to the proximal and distalportions, said hollow portion comprising a flexible sheath and adeflection section within the sheath and adjacent the distal portion,support means and actuating means carried by the support means beingmounted on the proximal portion, said actuating and support meansincluding a first shaft rotatable about its longitudinal axis, shaftmeans rotatable about a common axis which is normal to the axis ofrotation of the first shaft, a pair of rotary cable drive means carriedby and rotatable with the shaft means, coupling means connecting thefirst shaft to the shaft means and effecting rotation of the shaft meansand both rotary cable drive means in response to rotary movement of thefirst shaft about its axis and to bodily movement of the first shaftabout the axis of the shaft means, one of said rotary cable drive meansbeing rotated in response to and in a direction depending upon thedirection of rotation of the first shaft about its axis and the other ofsaid rotary cable drive means being rotated in response to and in adirection depending upon the direction of bodily movement of the firstshaft about the axis of said shaft means, a first pair of cables securedto said one of the rotary cable drive means and to points on oppositesides of said deflection section disposed substantially in one plane,and a second pair of cables secured to said other rotary cable drivemeans and to points on opposite sides of said deflection sectiondisposed substantially in another plane normal to said given plane,whereby rotation of said first shaft about its axis caused deflection ofsaid deflection section in said one plane and bodily movement of saidfirst shaft about the axis of said shaft means causes deflection of saiddeflection section in said other plane.

2. The combination according to claim 1 wherein each rotary cable drivemeans comprises pulley means.

3. A control device according to claim 2 wherein the shaft meanscomprises a second shaft and a third shaft which is tubular and istelescopically arranged relative to the second shaft and wherein one ofthe pulley means is secured to and rotatable with the second shaft andthe other pulley means is secured to and rotatable with the third shaft.

4. A control device according to claim 3 wherein each pulley meanscomprises a pulley having a helical peripheral groove, one of thepulleys being rotatable with the second shaft and the other pulley beingrotatable with the third shaft.

5. A control device according to claim 3 wherein the coupling meansincludes intermeshing gears comprised of first, second and third gearsthat are respectively connected to and rotatable with the first, secondand third shafts.

6. A control device according to claim 4 wherein the coupling meansincludes intermeshing first, second and third bevel gears that arerespectively connected to and rotatable with the first, second and thirdshafts, the second and third bevel gears being spaced apart and mountedon the second shaft and meshing with the first bevel gear.

7. An endoscope, comprising, in combination, a proximal portion, adistal portion and a hollow portion connected to the proximal and distalportions, said hollow portion comprising a flexible sheath and adeflection section within the sheath and adjacent the distal portion,support means and actuating means carried by the support means beingmounted on the proximal portion, said actuating and support meansincluding a first shaft rotatable about its longitudinal axis, shaftmeans rotatable about a common axis which is normal to the axis ofrotation of the first shaft, first and second deflection means connectedto said deflection section for orthogonally deflecting the latter inresponse to said shaft means, coupling means between said first shaftand said shaft means responsive to rotation of said first shaft aboutits said axis for actuating said first deflection means to deflect saiddeflection section in a first plane and in a direction and extentcorresponding to the direction and extent of rotation of said firstshaft, said coupling means also being responsive to bodily movement ofsaid first shaft about said common axis of said shaft means foractuating said second deflection means to deflect said deflectionsection in a second plane normal to said first plane in a direction andto an extent corresponding to said direction and extent of the bodilymovement of said first shaft about said common flXlS.

'- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE, CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3,788,303 Date d January 29, 1974 Inventor(s) Richard W. Hall It iscertified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Front page, Item 73, assignee's address, for "Manor, N.Y."

read Pelham Manor, N.Y.

Column 4, line 24, for "Also" read direction ,line 48, for "BEvel" readBevel Signed and sealed this 16th day of Ju1yr1974.

(STEAL) Att'est:

MCCOY M. GIBSON, JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer I Commissionerof Patents FORM Po-1050 (10-69) USCOMM-DC 6O376-P69 U.5. GOVERNMENTPRINTING OFFICE: I969 0365-33l

1. An endoscope, comprising, in combination, a proximal portion, adistal portion and a hollow portion connected to the proximal and distalportions, said hollow portion comprising a flexible sheath and adeflection section within the sheath and adjacent the distal portion,support means and actuating means carried by the support means beingmounted on the proximal portion, said actuating and support meansincluding a first shaft rotatable about its longitudinal axis, shaftmeans rotatable about a common axis which is normal to the axis ofrotation of the first shaft, a pair of rotary cable drive means carriedby and rotatable with the shaft means, coupling means connecting thefirst shaft to the shaft means and effecting rotation of the shaft meansand both rotary cable drive means in response to rotary movement of thefirst shaft about its axis and to bodily movement of the first shaftabout the axis of the shaft means, one of said rotary cable drive meansbeing rotated in response to and in a direction depending upon thedirection of rotation of the first shaft about its axis and the other ofsaid rotary cable drive means being rotated in response to and in adirection depending upon the direction of bodily movement of the firstshaft about the axis of said shaft means, a first pair of cables securedto said one of the rotary cable drive means and to points on oppositesides of said deflection section disposed substantially in one plane,and a second pair of cables secured to said other rotary cable drivemeans and to points on opposite sides of said deflection sectiondisposed substantially in another plane normal to said given plane,whereby rotation of said first shaft about its axis caused deflection ofsaid deflection section in said one plane and bodily movement of saidfirst shaft about the axis of said shaft means causes deflection of saiddeflection section in said other plane.
 2. The combination according toclaim 1 wherein each rotary cable drive means comprises pulley means. 3.A control device according to claim 2 wherein the shaft means comprisesa second shaft and a third shaft which is tubular and is telescopicallyarranged relative to the second shaft and wherein one of the pulleymeans is secured to and rotatable with the second shaft and the otherpulley means is secured to and rotatable with the third shaft.
 4. Acontrol device according to claim 3 wherein each pulley means comprisesa pulley having a helical peripheral groove, one of the pulleys beingrotatable with the second shaft and the other pulley being rotatablewith the third shaft.
 5. A control device according to claim 3 whereinthe coupling means includes intermeshing gears comprised of first,second and third gears that are respectively connected to and rotatablewith the first, second and third shafts.
 6. A control device accordingto claim 4 wherein the coupling means includes intermeshing first,second and third bevel gears that are respectively connected to androtatable with the first, second and third shafts, the second and thirdbevel gears being spaced apart and mounted on the second shaft andmeshing with the first bevel gear.
 7. An endoscope, comprising, incombination, a proximal portion, a distal portion and a hollow portionconnected to the proximal and distal portions, said hollow portioncomprising a flexible sheath and a deflection section within the sheathand adjacent the distal portion, support means and actuating meanscarried by the support means being mounted on the proximal portion, saidactuating and support means including a first shaft rotatable about itslongitudinal axis, shaft means rotatable about a common axis which isnormal to the axis of rotation of the first shaft, first and seconddeflection means connected to said deflection section for orthogonallydeflecting the latter in response to said shaft means, coupling meansbetween said first shaft and said shaft means responsive to rotation ofsaid first shaft about its said axis for actuating said first deflectionmeans to deflect said deflection section in a first plane and in adirection and extent corresponding to the direction and extent ofrotation of said first shaft, said coupling means also being responsiveto bodily movement of said first shaft about said common axis of saidshaft means for actuating said second deflection means to deflect saiddeflection section in a second plane normal to said first plane in adirection and to an extent corresponding to said direction and extent ofthe bodily movement of said first shaft about said common axis.